1 Grayson Guardsmen arrives, following Aiden.

Ilvin smiles wide and warm at Rook, the slim priest an unimposing but undoubtedly warm figure as he reaches out to take the man's hand. "It would be both my pleasure and my honor, Lord Grayward. Please, take your place when you're ready, and I'll await at the altar- unless there was anything more I could do for you before we begin?", he asks, curious.

Aiden has joined the Groom's Pews.

Yasmine has joined the Groom's Pews.

Nicia has joined the Bride's Pews.

Isabeau has joined the Bride's Pews.

Alis snuck in recently, a small figure in blue that makes her way over toward the bride's pews with her husband to watch ceremony. He's there, really. You can't see him, but he's totally there.

Alis has joined the Bride's Pews.

Caelis had been standing quietly with Katarina, fussing over some last minute straightening. As people start to pour in, she leans in briefly and says something soft before moving to sit as well.

Artorius has joined the Altar of Limerance.

Artorius has left the Altar of Limerance.

Artorius has joined the Bride's Pews.

Artorius has left the Bride's Pews.

Artorius has joined the Groom's Pews.

1 Trained Telmar Armsmen, Good Ansel the pocket-sized dog arrive, following Arn.

Aurora has joined the Groom's Pews.

Malik quietly enters the shrine of Limerance and slips over to the visitor's pews, hands on his lap as he looks about himself curiously.

Malik has joined the Visitors' Pews.

Gaston has joined the Visitors' Pews.

"Oh, no, not at all, Father," Rook replies with a mild laugh, clasping Ilvin's hand in turn with genuine appreciation. "You have no idea how much of a pleasant surprise it is to have the Archlector of Limerance himself officiating our ceremony. If you'll excuse me," he finishes then, doing as bid, moving towards the section of the room to await the arrival of the bride and her train. A polite, deep nod is given towards the benches on his side, a curious glance towards those on the others.

Artorius had arrived along with a small group of people who also totally snuck in. He does wave at his sister once he spots her, making his way to the groom's pews...just because really. He sits down with a calm smile.

Caelis has joined the Bride's Pews.

Rook has joined the Altar of Limerance.

Gaston arrived quietly, and took a seat in the visitor's pews as unobtrusively as the large man could.

Prince Aiden Grayson comes along into the Shrine, barely short of time evidently and takes a spot in the pews on the side for the groom. He's dressed for the occassion and wearing a soft expression as he considers the Archlector and the groom, turning silver eyes aside to consider those joining the groom's pews as well.

Yasmine arrives just before the ceremony starts, clad in an umbra dress that exposes her midriff and one shoulder. She slips into the Groom's Pews, a dazzling smile already on her lips for those that are already there. She looks at Rook as she sits down and gives him a nod and a lifting of one dark eyebrow.

Aurora arrives with her snake. Because well, it coiled around the tiny woman and she couldn't just leave her. Meandre pouts. It is the groom's pew she heads towards, giving her friend a once over before settling.

Rymarr arrives, following Samantha.

Nicia slips through the door and begins to quietly make her way towards the bride's side of things, tucking herself onto one of the pews, eyes scanning those that have already arrived with no small amount of interest.

Cristoph has joined the Bride's Pews.

Kael arrives, following Reigna.

Jael has joined the Bride's Pews.

Isabeau had arrived unescorted and saw her way over to the bride's side of the shrine without much in the way of fuss or small talk along the way. There would be plenty of time for that later... after the ceremony.

    Ansel is seated next to Fiachra and Alis, here to support a Valardin friend, minding his own business. Perhaps Isabeau will join on his other side. The tawny-golden form of Ravana is perched atop his left shoulder as he watches up near the front of the area.

Ilvin smiles brightly up at Rook, and shakes his head. "Please, don't let me hold you back.", he assures him, then takes a moment to look over the people as they arrive and take their seats, looking incredibly pleased as more people arrive to the Shrine. After another moment, the little Archlector of Limerance makes his way up to the altar, his quick steps taking him up to his spot as he clasps his hands before him, his smile a beam of sunlight cast upon everyone present equally.

It seems there was some very emotional moments at the start of path, where Katarina lays in wait in the wake of Caeli' departure, the shimmering princess' eyes glistening with tears all too easily brushed away by the handmaiden who speaks reassuring words of encouragement hushedly. She searches the crowd for Alis, before her arm lifts to encourage her owling, that possessive little Woody, to take flight and join her family in the pews.

Nisaa has joined the Visitors' Pews.

Cristoph arrives with Jael, fighting their way through the crowds until they can find some space to sneak into the bridal pews. This place is -packed-. "Do you want some more tissues?" He doesn't notice Alis wanting to adjust his tiara that he totally forgot to take off.

Ansel has joined the Bride's Pews.

The Duke of Telmarch looks ready for battle rather than a wedding. In his experience, it was the same thing. Then she died. These are the unpleasant thoughts that run through his head as he storms into the shrine decked out in full armor. It's the dressiest set of clothing he has and he's not changing for some damn ceremony. His dog accompanies him and, when he arrives he heads for the side with all the Valardins. Picking up the only good thing named Ansel in the city, he barges into the row of pews, "Make room, make room. I want to stand next to my boy. Here, hold him." the him is the dog, fluffy and angry, which he holds out to Ansel, "Take it." he growls at his son and then glares at the others, Alis most of all. "Weddings." he grunts, displeased before falling silent.


Arn has joined the Bride's Pews.

Kit, the grey fox, Brigid the Genet arrive, following Monique.

Artorius smiles to all present, making note of a few familiar faces he had seen before. He falls silent, watching the precedings with a kind smile.

Ilvin has joined the Altar of Limerance.

    Ansel's just seated amongst his friends, when all of a sudden the more companionable figure of Fiachra (yes, he's totally here) is replaced, quite suddenly, by the burlish and armor-clad figure of the Telmar Duke. And then there's a small pupper being thrust into his hands. The Telmar Sword's expression immediately dours, and he scooches over as far as he's able, trying to place the little doggo on the ground underfoot.

Samantha comes in on Rymarr's arm. She's dressed in a green-gold gown with an empire waistline, and seems completely at ease with walking in next to a man who is in full armor. "The bride's side?" she murmurs inquiringly to the tall man standing next to her.

Alis is hard to notice, cause she's tiny. So she lists her hand to wave and give Katarina an encouraging smile. And when she sees Arn glaring at her, she doubles up on the annoying stuff, to blow a kiss at the bride-to-be, too. Woody is offered a perch right on her own shoulder. "No wedding would be complete without your scowling, Duke Arn. Always a pleasure to have you join us for these joyous occasions." she quips, making a kissy face expression at the dog too.

Jael, on her brother's arm, looks a little the worse for wear...not that she isn't impeccably dressed and coifed, but she does look a little like she just woke up. Bleary eyes, nose just a little bit red. She lets Cristoph clear the crowd. "I'm fine," she tells him, albeit thickly. "If I'm lucky people will just think I'm overwhelmed by emotion." Her blue gaze flicks to his tiara, narrowed in envy.

Nisaa presumably arrived with Malik, quietly following him to the visitor's pews. Her verdigris eyes are wide, her lush lips spread into an easy smile as she looks around and watches all the guests arrive.

Aiden looks around him and glances back toward the visitor's pews, sending a wave to a few femiliar faces, Malik and Nisaa most pointedly. Though he does glance over at those at the groom's pews. He doesn't necessarily know any of them well enough, offering, "Hello. Have we been formally introduced?" This addressed to Yasmin, Artorius, and Aurora, in his immediate area.

There are a few familiar faces, and when Nicia spots them she lifts a hand to give them a bit of a wave of greeting, a few from Katarina's party, and then one towards Cristoph when she spots him arriving.

Entering the shrine is a pair of newlyweds themselves. Reigna and Kael Keaton step inside, Reigna's eyes looking over the Shrine with the slightest upward curves of her lips. She is on Kael's arm, her fingers draped ever so softly on his forearm as they move towards the gathering. She gestures to the visitor pews, as the Valardin vassals head in that direction, slipping through the crowd -- aided by the size and bulk of Kael -- to claim their seats.

Malik lifts his hand to wave it happily in Aiden's direction before he tucks his arm around Nisaa, pecking her on the cheek. "Our first Arxian wedding!" he says to her, his voice rich with an exotic accent. "I am thinking it is to be very grand, no?"

Monique tries to sneak in. She's usually very good at sneaking, but in a strapless gown of warm honey and her crimson hair uncovered and loose, it's nigh impossible to miss the Minx of the Marshes for all her covert efforts. There are nods to those she recognizes, both new and old acquaintances and friends.

Weddings, indeed. For his part, however, Rook's remarkably well composed, as he is in all matters. With his hands clasped behind his back, chin lifted proud and high, the lord courtier's eyes smile as much as his face does. It's a perfectly affixed expression as he awaits the slow movement of the bride at the beginning of the path. "If I had theoretically forgotten my vows?" he jests to the archlector, as the man joins him, chuckling beginning in the depths of his throat.

Rymarr offers a faint dip of his chin in acknowledgement of Samantha's question following their arrival. One hand rests atop the pommel at his side, while the other rests extended out so that Samantha may take the arm she's laid claim. An answer arrives to the question a moment later before he offers a nod toward the pews of the bride's side before his chin inclines and he offers back in a sternly spoken tone, "Of course. Otherwise, I'd be taking a long walk elsewhere." After that he begins to step toward the pews and upon his arrival he motions his wife to sit before himself while he stands in waiting.

"Do you want to wear it? You can borrow it. If I die tomorrow you get to wear it all the time then!" As if this was the Offical Tiara of Laurent. Cristoph picks it up off his own head and drops it onto Jael's. Who must be thrilled, given she's sick and he's sticking things on her head. In that motion, he catches sight of Nicia waving to him. He beams and points at his sister, "This is Jael!" In the tone of a more normal person he says to his sister next to him, "That's Lady Nicia Pravus."

Ilvin gives a soft laugh, and shakes his head. "If one were to, theoretically, forget one's vows, the answer is simple: look at your bride, and let your heart do the speaking.", he advises, with a wink.

Nisaa lifts her hand and wiggles her fingers towards Aiden with a smile, her Princely friend attracting her attention before Malik slips his arm around her and kisses her cheek. She tucks her chin down slightly, her expression softening from one of general joy to something more intimately content as she speaks with him. "It does seem so," she says in her heavily accented voice. "It is exciting, yes?"

Rymarr has joined the Bride's Pews.

Samantha has joined the Bride's Pews.

"It is a joyous day." Arn responds, dour and tight-jawed until he has a little fun and smiles. Well, he bares his teeth. It's not pretty. In fact, it's a little disturbing. Fortunately, it doesn't last long and he's soon tight-lipped once again. Despite wanting to stand right beside Ansel, he neither looks at nor talks to his son for a while, staring straight ahead and waiting for the ceremony to begin. The duke does seem to stay in almost constant motion, uncomfortable and stiff though he doesn't lean on the bench before him for support. That would be weak. The chatter at the benches has him blinking and looking around with a glare.


Gaston has left the Visitors' Pews.

"Solid advice," Rook replies to Ilvin, smooth and diplomatic. "You're a natural," he offers, as if he's the personal pep talk team for the sworn servant of Limerance. Unlinking his hands, he spends a moment peeling off his gloves and pocketing them.

The heirloom bee crown of the Laurents, it is. "Counting on it, brother," Jael says pertly, then sighs as it's dropped right on her, on top of the other hair jewelry she's already got on. She lifts her hands to steady it, then offers a wave to Nicia when she's introduced. "Lady Nicia, it's lovely to meet you. I'd offer my hand but I think I'm coming down with something."

Samantha takes careful time to take her seat; such mundane physical tasks have taken on a new awkwardness. Once settled, she takes a moment to look between all of those seated in the bridal pews. She cannot help but regard Arn, and then Rymarr. And then Arn. And then Rymarr. Two serious Valardins in armor. She taps the back of Rymarr's gauntlet to get his attention, inquiring to him, "Have you two met? I sense a kindred spirit." Her chin lifts in Arn's direction.

Nicia's smile flashes a bit wider at the introduction, her attention shifting towards Jael, "It's so very nice to meet you, Lady Jael. I hope that you're not feeling to terrible?" She wonders, then gestures for the pair to come join her where she's staked out a claim on one of the bride's pews. Not a word is spoken about that bee tiara. In fact, she almost too carefully doesn't even look at it. Nope.

Kael is indeed escorting Reigna on his arm, his expression a solemn thing given the fact that he is attendance of a wedding. His eyes draw to the front of the shrine first and foremost, his head inclining deeply to no one in particular. He keeps this pose for three very precise seconds and then is straightening his spine, squaring up his shoulders, and looking to the visitor's pews. Another nod, this one a brief thing, before he begins to travel in that direction with his wife. His selection is actually one in the back, allowing her to slide in first before he joins her.

Ilvin gives a warm laugh from the altar next to Rook, the little Archlector in good humor. "Well, I have to give my best. The big guy's watching, you know.", he tells Rook, hooking a thumb behind him to the altar. He then looks over the gathering crows, giving them a few moments longer to arrive and settle, before he looks to Rook, and smiles with compassionate warmth. "... whenever you're ready, Lord Grayward."

Reigna has joined the Visitors' Pews.

Kael has joined the Visitors' Pews.

It is not long before the shrine is filled with the soft elegant notes of a pianist's touch upon a piano somewhere from the fringes of the shrine, a subtle signal to harken the arrival of the bride-to-be to begin her march.

With Duchess Belladonna Pravus at her side, their hands twined together in filaments of silver and gold that accentuates the intricate artwork upon their linked arms, Katarina gracefully makes her way down the path, a ripple of fine-spun aeterna sweeping iridescite-lit stars behind ever tentative step of her heeled feet. Quiet words are exchanged between princess and duchess when they come just before the altar, where they stop briefly to see her bereft of shoes and passed off subtly to an attending servant.

When Katarina rises, it's with smiles that the friends depart and the filaments unwind to signify the breaking of bonds to begin a new life as she ascends up to the altar to join Rook and Ilvin. A subtle Suj'Abbatti tradition, of many, ingrained in the wedding.

Isabeau has kept her clothing simple and relatively understated for the occasion; one never wants to outshine a bride on her wedding day. Of course, with the bride in question, that would be impossible; Katarina turns heads even when she isn't a vision in her native garb. The blonde princess wears an almost blissful smile as the ceremony begins, sharing her expression with those seated nearby as she turns her head to steal a peek at the pews.

Katarina has left the Start of the Path.

Katarina has joined the Altar of Limerance.

"I've been ready for this moment for twenty-two years, I think. Let us not delay, Father," Rook replies, bowing his head, turning to face the column of stairs that the princess mounts. A hand is extended as he walks to the edge of it, offering her assistance for the small span between it and the archlector. "Your royal highness," he greets respectfully of his intended, a stately push of his wrist to his back, a slight bow executed. "Shall we?" With that, he turns toward Ilvin.

"I have too much going on up here, Cris." Jael gestures at her own intricate arrangement of braids and pins and resettles the tiara on her brother before answering Nicia with a brief little shake of her head. "It's just a little bit of a stuffy nose. Nothing some extra sleep and a bit of tea can't fix." When her brother greats Kael and Reigna she sits up straight and offers a wave and a bright smile, which turns into a little glare as soon she she refocuses on Cristoph. "It is not like I'm going around licking everything." But there's Katarina, and it's now she that gets all of Jael's attention.

Ilvin smiles wider at Rook's response, and then turns to watch with the rest of the Shrine as the bride arrives, and begins her way towards the altar. Once she arrives, he gives her a warm, welcoming, happy smile. "Your highness... you are a vision.", he says, and after waiting a moment to be sure the bride is ready to proceed, steps back, motioning for Rook and Katarina to take their places at their leisure.

Artorius smiles as the bride makes her way to the groom and Archlector, his face beaming with joy from this momentous occasion! He does look around some, but mainly keeps his eyes directly at the two.

Aurora just came to see the clothing she made. Because living works of art! She offers Kat a warm smile as she moves passed, watching the couple as they come together to begin.

Aiden looks ahead after introducing himself and speaking in lower tones with those at the Groom's pews, sitting up straighter with attentiveness toward the front when the bride makes it toward the groom. Hands folded in his lap, the Grayson Prince come to represent his household smiles brightly at the beginning of the ceremony.

Twining her painted fingers through Rook's own, Katarina's cheeks warm with a subtle hint of a blush as the pair exchange hushed words, and brightening all the more so at Ilvin's compliments. "You honor me with you praise, Father. Thank you," she murmurs softly, glancing over her shoulder into the crowds at her family and friends.

Yasmine sits with her chin lifted and a small smile on her face as she gazes toward the altar. Her head tilts to the side faintly as she waits for the ceremony to commence.

With a glance down towards his hand as Katarina claims it for her own, his laughter is mild but audible. Accepting the link of slender fingers, his attention returns back to the Archlector a moment later. "We're ready, Father -- if you'd begin?" With that said, his other arm remains positioned behind him, lightly pressed on the outside of his brilliant white coat at the small of his back.

Rook ^

Caelis smiles her encouragement to Katarina from Alis' side. She wiggles her painted fingers before turning her smile on Alis at her words as it grows lopsided.

Ansel has left the Bride's Pews.

Ravana the tawny eagle leaves, following Ansel.

Jael makes an amused face at Nicia's comment. "No telling where some of these things have been." She rolls her eyes at Cristoph and jams the point of her elbow into his side, tilting her head meaningfully at the, you know, wedding, going on right here in this room.

A messenger arrives, delivering a message to Charlaine before departing.

Fridrik, a small White Fox leaves, following Charlaine.

Ilvin looks over the bride and groom, seeming well-pleased at what he sees, then looks out over the gathered guests, and directs that beaming, irresistible smile of his out towards the Shrine as a whole. "Faithful... neighbors... friends... family. Welcome. Welcome one and all to this place, for it truly warms my heart to see all of you here, to witness this moment, this testament to everything we fight for and work for and live for. Today, we bring together in the vows of marriage, Princess Katarina Valardin, and Lord Rook Grayward." He pauses, then to give the people a chance to cheer for the couple if they wish.

A moment later, Ilvin steps forward. "I am sure all of you here know what Limerance represents: he is the god of love, and so we love him. But he is also the god of fidelity, of devotion, and it is that which makes weddings so very precious to our god. For what more pure expression of Limerance's nature can there be, than in the taking of a vow based upon the true love felt between two people? And as I stand here, before our groom and our bride, I can feel the love between them as clearly as if it was a bonfire lighting the world with its warmth and strength." He smiles at Rook, then.

"Lord Grayward, welcome. I ask once again, before the eyes of the gods, of the people, and of your own heart: are you ready?" He pauses, then, awaiting the answer.

Fridrik, a small White Fox arrives, following Charlaine.

Rook checked composure + performance at difficulty 15, rolling 33 higher.

Reigna is intently watching the ceremony -- so much so that she may have missed the greeting from Cristoph. As Ilvin steps forward to address those gathered, the reserved Lady Keaton actually looks a little effected by his words, her gaze shifting to the bride and groom, focusing there intently.

If Rook wasn't ready, he doesn't show it. The gleam in his eye, the perfectly regulated breathing, he's not even hyperventilating at all! The lord courtier's attention is wholeheartedly upon Ilvin as he orates, then finally as the question is posed there's an answer soon delivered: "I am, Father. Before the eyes of the gods, the people and myself."

In turn to that bright smile that is offered in turn toward the pair of them, Kael is inclining his head toward Jael and her companions. Just that, however, with the addition of a few brief words to those he shares a pew with, before he focuses in on the proceedings.

Ilvin beams at that answer, and the way it is given, and he nods, showing he is satisfied by it. The slim Archlector then turns to look upon Katarina with his warm, cognac eyes, taking in the beautiful bride with gentle admiration. "Your highness, Princess Valardin. I ask you now as well, before the eyes of the gods, of the people, and of your own heart: are you ready?"

Charlaine stands in the back, her eyes on the couple and the one performing the cerimony, she smiles a little as she shifts and tucks her dark lock behind her ears. Her attention moves aptly over the couple and then those gathered before looking happy for the pair who say their vows.

Katarina watches with bated breath as Ilvin addresses Rook, and the lord courtier gives his anwer with such grace. Her cheeks dimple with the sudden bloom of a loving smile for the groom. Tears misting her eyes, settling heavily on dark lashes as they're swept shut and she becomes so overwhelmed with emotion. "Y-Yes, I am ready," she echoes, after saying something of the same effect in Eurusi, crying all the while.

Jael sits with her hands folded decorously in her lap, fine features cast with concern when Katarina starts crying. But it seems to be happiness, so the voice of Laurent merely fishes a handkerchief out of her reticule and dabs at her nose.

Ilvin's smile widens even more, and he steps back, looking between the couple. "Then look upon one another, my friends.", he says. His smile quirks at something he sees, and he takes a moment longer. "Remember the way each other looks right now, at this very moment. For the rest of your lives, carry that sight between you, and when things become difficult, when the nights are long and you feel lost, remember it. Remember that someone saw you, as you see them now, and loved you with all their heart. And you will gain strength, and joy, and comfort from it, for the rest of your lives.", he assures them, then looks to Rook, raising a brow as his smile turns into a grin. "Your vows, Lord Grayward?"

Rymarr checked composure at difficulty 20, rolling 1 lower.

Rymarr watches on in silence for a long moment. His left cheek twitches, his jaw clenches, and then clears his throat. Cold blue eyes drift upward for a moment and then without ceremony his arm shifts. He steals his gauntlet-clad hand away from Samantha and between both gauntlets his draws his helmet up, up, up, and atop his head. He pulls it down, firmly into place. One can never been too cautious at a wedding, it would seem.

She was doing so well, Alis' sniffles started it, but then Caelis began to sniffle and watches. At Ilvin's words, tears roll down her cheeks openly and she lets them fall before fishing out another handkerchief so she doesn't mess up her Eurusian wrap.

Aiden is overheard praising Ilvin for: Best Archlector of Arx

Artorius is overheard praising Ilvin for: Best way to officiate a wedding ever.

Reigna is overheard praising Katarina for: The most lovely bride ever seen.

Samantha is slightly startled when Rymarr's hand is withdrawn, lifting her head at the sudden gesture. She seems momentarily puzzled, but without looking behind her, she hears Rymarr's helmet click into place. And for some reason, her mouth twitches ever-so-slightly, like she's trying to fight back a full on smile as she continues to watch the ceremony.

"Of course," Rook replies in acknowledgement of what Ilvin says and the essence of his meaning. The lord courtier twists upon a foot to turn and face Katarina, whereupon he reaches out toward the velvet pillow upon which a steel flower sits, with a pair of rings wrapped around its stem. Taking all three, he then steps closer and into Katarina's personal space, offering her the first of them. "House Valardin is a new home for us both and I trust we'll each find a place there, together, come what may. 'Steel bends, honour holds'. On my honour, that which has gotten me everywhere I've been, you can depend on me as long as I can depend on you." With that, he then moves the feminine ring into his right hand, masculine band in his left - in preparation for hearing her own vows, before they're worn.

Rook drops a delightful little flower forged of steel.

Kael shifts slightly at that great display of emotion. It is just a fidget, really, but it nonetheless displays some hint of discomfort. While he was watching the proceedings with a great deal of care, suddenly the alter of Limerance becomes his singular focal point. That's where he's going to just stare.

Kerr steps inside... right in the middle of a wonderful wedding. He's not dressed for it, though he is wearing full armour, if that qualifies. Apparently he decides it does, for he, as quietly as a man in full plate can, quietly makes his way to the pew where he notices Samantha and Rymarr, apparently... discussing? No, that's the wrong word for it.

Kerr has joined the Bride's Pews.

Ilvin beams as he listens to Rook's vows, his eyes intent upon the young couple. He then turns to Katarina, who's attention is surely wholly upon her soon to be husband, and murmurs in a soft, encouraging voice, "Princess Valardin, your vows?"

Jael glances over at Arn in wide-eyed startlement at is words, then covers her mouth with her handkerchief to throttle some sort of noise that is definitely not a surprised laugh. No. It's a /sneeze/ and no one can prove it isn't.

Aiden continues to sit in a reserved silence that curls the corner of his mouth upward, with a wistful sheen to his eyes. He glances over toward a noise that sounded like a sneeze, brow popped up before his gaze returns to the front, for the Princess to make her vows known.

Charlaine watches in the back, her eyes shift over Ilvin as she smiles softly. Her attention turns quietly and carefully over Katarina as people wait to hear her vows.

"Because I'd have to make a lot of people stand up," Jael explains stuffily to her brother.

    Reluctantly, golden eyes are drawn from Rook to regard Ilvin briefly as he softly encourages her to share her vows. Public oration most often a thought to send the princess into a blushing frenzy. But on this day, as she stands before her loved ones and associates, before Limerance, his Archlector, and her groom, she finds the courage to speak.

"In this very moment, Lord Rook Grayward, I think I could walk aboard the Unsullied and brave even the worst of my enemies and fears, because I know that you will be with me, to support me, every step of the way no matter the circumstance." It is a quiet testament of her faith and trust in him, as her golden eyes lower from his own deep green ones to the mated rings that rest within his hands.

"I pledge to you my heart, my soul, and all that I am before my family and friends - all of whom I've given my loyalty, and have accepted me unconditionally despite my foreign blood as their own. I take you, and all that you are, as my husband and partner in life, for as long as you will have me."

"The flutterbies, they're going insanely crazy," Katarina murmurs to Rook, an inside joke between the couple, it would seem.

Ender, a Silver Gyrfalcon arrives, following Marian.

Ilvin smiles happily at Katarina's vows, nodding. "Well said, both of you. Now... before we complete the ceremony...", he says, and looks up and out towards the gathered guests, before speaking to them.

"Two people in love do not live in isolation. Their love is a source of strength with which they may nourish not only each other but also the world around them. And in turn, we, their community of friends and family, have a responsibility to this couple. By our steadfast care, respect, and love, we can support their marriage and the new family they are creating today.", he says, his words carrying his care and encouragement to everyone in the Shrine.

"Will everyone please rise?", Archlector Ilvin asks, and waits a moment for them to do so before turning back to Rook and Katarina. "Exchange your rings, and repeat after me: I give you this ring, as a daily reminder of my love for you."

Marian has joined the Bride's Pews.

Marian checked dexterity + stealth at difficulty 15, rolling 12 higher.

Artorius would rise and clasp his hands behind his back, a grand smile on his face. He loved weddings! such a beauty in an event that binds two persons together. He carcks his neck silently, standing with everyone else when the Archlector bids it.

Yasmine rises when the Archlector instructs those gathered to do so. A gentle smile curves her lips and she clasps her hands before her as she looks toward the altar at the happy couple.

Samantha looks faintly grumpy about having to get up from her seated positon, but after a moment of heft, is on her feet. She's still visibly delighted by it all, at least.

Cristoph rises when Ilvin requests it, linking his fingers together in front of him and listening as the couple begins to complete their vows.

At the Archlector's invitation, Princess Isabeau finds her feet and rises from her seat. Her bigger, brighter smile has long since been swept away into something significantly smaller and more reserved.

Kerr is standing. He apparently didn't try to sit overly much, perhaps on account of the plate armor. Still, he's smiling! Hooray for weddings!

Aiden hurries to his feet when the guests are asked to rise from their seats, quickly sending a curious grin toward the others along the pews.

Marian slips into the ceremony just as the folks are rising to their feet for the ceremony. She moves to the Bride's Pew and slips in to stand near Princess Alis, acting as if she's been there the whole time. She looks towards the happy couple and there's a moment of relief that she didn't miss the most important part.

Nisaa rises from her seat where she was sitting rather cozily with Malik, tugging him to his feet with her.

Kael, at this point, actually is letting his gaze slip off to the side from that sharp focal point of the pew. This is so that he can study Reigna, set his mouth into a grim line, and give her shoulder a squeeze. Thereafter he turns forward again, rising as the audience is bid to do so. His hands fold together before him and his head bows.

Rook turns to face the pews as everyone is asked to rise, emitting a subtle laugh, clearly sympathetic towards those who want to remain seated. "Of course, Father," he replies politely to Ilvin, gently turning the rings in his hand offering Katarina the masculine band and holding out her own, so it might be slipped upon her finger. "I give you this ring, as a daily reminder of my love for you," is given lightly, in perfect replication of the words told to him. Then, he extends his hand out, to receive his own.

Nicia gets to her feet when the call comes to rise, her hands carefully folding in front of her, a smile spreading across her face at this point, wiping away the very serious look that had been there for most of it.

Alis stands up from from her seat on the pews, and despite whatever harsh whispering is going on between her and Arn there.. she has a smile for the bride and groom while she does so. And another one for Marian arriving to stand nearby.

Jael blows her nose surreptitiously in the noise of everyone standing, then joins the crowd in rising to her feet.

Malik rises to his feet with Nisaa's tug, grinning at her and staying close to murmur something in her ear.

Caelis rises and wipes at her soggy eyes, talking quietly with Alis.

"Oh for the gods' sakes..." mutters Arn as he has to pull himself to his feet. He'll tell the tale of the wedding he attended with constant standing and sitting one day. But he stands and doesn't distract more than the mutter. He's up, armor and joints creaking and popping.


Reigna gets up to her feet as the Archlector bids. Her eyes lowered to the ground, her cheeks full of rosy color. There is start when Kael squeezes her shoulder, though she nods her head to him, a nod before she turns her attention to the altar.

"I give you this ring, as a daily reminder of my love for you," chimes Katarina when her turn arises, her head lowering to press her lips upon Rook's palm as his wedding ring is delicately slipped upon his finger. Her golden eyes widen, briefly, the moment she spots Marian out in the crowd - relief and joy, once again, brings misty tears to her eyes. So much emotion!

Nisaa blushes as Malik murmurs to her. Her hand slips into his and she kisses his cheek softly before whispering in return to him.

Ilvin watches as the new spouses exchange their rings and final promises. He then looks up and out to everyone as they stand, his smile quietly amused at some of the grumbling he notes, barely holding back a good-natured chuckle. "Lord Rook Grayward. Do you take this woman, to be your wife?"

Simple, to the point, Rook replies: "I do."

Ilvin nods, smiling proudly at Rook, and then turns his attention to Katarina. "Princess Katarina Valardin, do you take this man to be your husband?"

Rymarr has left the Bride's Pews.

Charlaine was standing already, she looks over to Katrina and then Rook as the others stand. She smiles softly before she draws a soft breath and she folds her fingers into one another.

"I do," Katarina affirms, smiling up at Ilvin softly.

Ilvin stands up to his full height at Katarina's answer, which isn't much, but he still manages to give out an air of warmth and care that's impossible to ignore. "Then... before the eyes of the gods, of the people, and of your own hearts, and by the power of your love and commitment, and the power vested in me by our lord Limerance, I now pronounce you husband and wife!" His smile brightens into a grin, as he adds, "This is usually the part where they kiss."

"Make it quick, some of us need a drink!" Arn shouts out as the wedding seems to be over. There's a reception, right? As if to uncharacteristically soften his words, he starts slamming his gnarled hands together to get a round of applause going for the newly married couple.


Rook steps forward and clasps both of Katarina's hands with his own, encircling them with his fingers and brushing them with his thumbs. With a slight draw of her closer, he lets one side of their paired arms reach up to jointly lift her veil so he might lean in for the kiss of the moment. While polite enough, it's lingering and arguably romantic-- perfect for a Valardin audience, less so for a Velenosan one. Those well mannered courtiers aren't known for scandal, you see.

Rook checked charm + etiquette at difficulty 15, rolling 20 higher.

Arn is overheard praising Katarina.

Arn is overheard praising Rook.

Marian is overheard praising Katarina for: For being a beautiful bride.

As the Archlector announces the end of the ceremony and Rook leans in to kiss Katarina, Yasmine lifts her hands to join in the applause, watching with a faint smile on her lips.

Cristoph is nice and polite for this part of the ceremony, when the couple kisses he claps his hands together loudly, finally joining in with Arn's roudn of applause. Also he whistles, because this certainly an acceptable time to do so. Quietly, he leans over and mentions something to Jael.

Cristoph is overheard praising Rook.

Cristoph is overheard praising Katarina.

Alis is overheard praising Rook.

Alis is overheard praising Katarina.

Yasmine is overheard praising Katarina for: A lovely bride.

Alis is overheard praising Ilvin.

Nicia is overheard praising Rook.

Nicia is overheard praising Katarina.

Cristoph is overheard praising Arn for: For being Arn.

Nisaa is overheard praising Rook for: Congratulations! Many Happinesses to you!

Cristoph is overheard praising Ilvin.

Caelis breaks into applause at the kiss and cheers for Katarina and Rook brightly.

Cristoph is overheard praising Alis.

Katarina glances back at Arn with a startled look, only to breathe a vibrant laugh. As she is drawn into Rook's ensnare, her lashes sweep shut and the young princess is melting into the lingering, arguably romantic kiss laid upon her. She draws back, reluctantly so, handmaidens gracefully removing her veil afterward. No more of that.

Yasmine is overheard praising Rook for: What a handsome and charming groom. May you find happiness together.

Nisaa is overheard praising Katarina.

Arn is overheard praising Ilvin for: You're just doing your job but I guess you get applause too. For some reason.

Artorius starts clapping in an applause at their union!

Charlaine is overheard praising Katarina.

Aiden is overheard praising Rook for: To Happiness. Valardin House is fortunate to have you!

Jael rubs at the tip of her nose and sniffles prettily, then applauds as the couple kiss.

Aurora is overheard praising Rook.

Aiden is overheard praising Katarina.

Marian raises his hands and claps, giving praise to Limerance and the archlector for conducting such a beautiful ceremony. She smiles at the sight of Katarina getting her man and showing to the world their partnership and union.

Nicia joins in with the applause, although she's already smiling, that smile widens some before she manages to remind herself that this is something that probably doesn't require her to smile like an idiot.

Reigna is overheard praising Rook for: Such a loving and doting husband!

Alis claps with polite enthusiasm (is that an oxymoron?) for Rook and Katarina. "Congratulations!" she cheers, looking both pleased and proud.

Aiden applauds with the others, smiling and cheering a little for the union of the pair. He looks toward the others who have come to celebrate the marriage and smiles, "Valardin is very lucky. Wonderful union!"

Arn turns to Alis with a frown, "Thank the gods that's over. That was excruciating. I'm going to get a drink." he slaps his thigh to get his dog over. It's fallen asleep. "Alone. I've had enough of all of you today." rather than actually say goodbye, he grunts at Alias and just ignores everyone else on his way out the back of the shrine.


Arn has left the Bride's Pews.

1 Trained Telmar Armsmen, Good Ansel the pocket-sized dog leave, following Arn.

Alis is totally Arn's favorite, guys.

Kael is overheard praising Katarina for: Congratulations to a lovely Valardin bride.

"When everyone is ready, the reception will take place down on the beaches so that we might all enjoy the warmth of the summer before it is fully gone," Katarina announces, gently squeezing Rook's hand with a warm smile aimed toward Ilvin. "Thank you so much, Father. You honored us both by presiding over the ceremony."

Ilvin joins in with the applause, of course, cheering the couple enthusiastically. Once the kiss ends, he calls out over the cheers, "Go in peace, and in the light of Limerance's love.", dismissing them and bringing the rite to a close. He then steps back, and smiles brightly at the newlyweds. "Go, go, enjoy your wedding. This was the hard part."

Samantha promptly claps at the kiss that seals the union, noting to Sir Kerr, "I have a meeting to get to in about an hour, but I can linger for a bit for the celebrations, and you should feel free."

Rook turns toward the benches after the moment and Ilvin has said his piece. Toward those from House Valardin he inclines his head, smiling warmly at his new family. To the rest, he calls: "Thank you all for coming. We will head down to the beaches now, if any wish to join, simply follow along. If you wish any gifts given, please make donations to Archlector Ilvin of the Shrine of Limerance, as he has done us the honour of officiating today." With that, he extends his hand towards Katarina in preparation to build the train of party-goers. Choo, choo.

Rook apparently echoes Katarina, too.

Reigna joins in the applause, her expression that almost painful reserve, though there is a deeper emotion found within her eyes, and a distracted quality as her head tilts to the side, her eyes shifting to a spot nearby as if she were trying to focus on hearing something in that direction.

Aurora has left the Groom's Pews.

Meandre, an albino python leaves, following Aurora.

Kerr looks at the assembled high nobility, then back to Samantha, then back to the high nobility. "Sure. What could ever go wrong, Milady."

Jael turns to her brother and blinks, then blows her nose. "Well I'll leave you to it, then. Have fun at the beach. I need a lie-down." She slips through the crowd, offers congratulations to the newlyweds, and makes her way out of the shrine.

When the reception is mentioned, Nicia glances towards Cristoph and Jael, "Are you both going to head to the beaches?"

Samantha smirks a little bit at that. "You can come with me to the Ministry if you want, but I promise you'll be bored out of your mind."

On her way out Jael stops to murmur to Nicia, "Not feeling up to it. But I'm sure I'll see you again soon."

Jael has left the Bride's Pews.

"Anyone else can follow along and we'll run to the beaches. If you don't make it, run to the beaches anyway. Don't turn right at Seawatch gate into the Lower Boroughs or you'll be mugged. Those people aren't taxed by the Crown, I cannot condone they're safe to pay your coin pouch into," Rook calls.

Isabeau has left the Bride's Pews.

Alis has left the Bride's Pews.

Sir Rhys, a Valardin Knight leaves, following Alis.

Nisaa has left the Visitors' Pews.

Malik has left the Visitors' Pews.

Malik leaves, following Nisaa.

Rook has left the Altar of Limerance.

Katarina has left the Altar of Limerance.

Quiet, a Valardin champion, Woody, an infantile Northern white-faced owl with soft gray plumage leave, following Katarina.

Artorius has left the Groom's Pews.

Ezekiel the German Shepherd leaves, following Artorius.

Pawn, the courtier's apprentice, Katarina, Artorius leave, following Rook.

Cristoph watches as Jael makes with her escape. "Bye! Feel better." He watches her go with a squint to his eye that he shrugs off before turning to Nicia. "I'll probably head there shortly. But I need to stop somewhere along the way."

"You know the best places for fun, don't you?" Kerr grins to Samantha, but he nods. "I'll pass, though thanks, Milady. I think I'll just head to the nearest tavern and celebrate. For the new couple. Bring them good luck or some such." Says the man who doesn't usually drink. He might be wincing at how flatly false that sounds even to his ears. "I'll get by." He nods.

Caelis has left the Bride's Pews.

Rohm the Blackguard leaves, following Caelis.

Samantha has left the Bride's Pews.

Ilvin hangs back as the wedding party heads off to the reception- he might join it a bit later, but for the moment, there's cleanup to be done at the Shrine. Instead, he simply watches everyone head off with a happy, pleased expression.

Marian has left the Bride's Pews.

Yasmine has left the Groom's Pews.

Aiden has left the Groom's Pews.

1 Grayson Guardsmen leaves, following Aiden.

There is something both subdued and perhaps a little solemn about Lord and Lady Keaton as they rise from their pew and make their way towards the exit of the Shrine. Their mood so at odds with the rest of the celebrants, though Reigna's hand is resting on Kael's arm as they depart.

Nicia glances after Jael, "I hope you feel better!" She then glances at Cristoph, her brows inching upwards in almost silent question before she brushes aside whatever that thought might be, "Then I shall keep an eye out for you. I figure that I should perhaps go give my congratulations to the princess and her new husband."

Reigna has left the Visitors' Pews.

Kael has left the Visitors' Pews.

Kael leaves, following Reigna.

Marian makes a point of going to Ilvin as guests drift off to the reception, "It was a lovely ceremony." She look at the altar to Limerance, "Perhaps in the coming weeks we can discuss my own nuptials once contracts have been finalized."

Kerr has left the Bride's Pews.